SECTION VIII. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS BY SHIPMENT MODE
6.27 Rail Shipments
A. Each package of hazardous materials being transported by railcar must be loaded, blocked,
and braced as prescribed by Title 49 CFR, section 174.55. The purpose of blocking and bracing
is to prevent the packages from changing position, falling to the floor, or sliding into each other
under shocks normally incident to transportation. Bureau of Explosives (BOE) pamphlets Nos. 6
and 6c contain recommended methods of blocking and bracing in railcars.
B. Title 49 CFR, section 174.55, also provides that hazardous materials may be handled
mechanically, but care must be taken to ensure that they are not dropped. A heavy package or
container of hazardous materials may be trucked, rolled on pallet rollers, or moved by skid,
forklift, or other handling devices. Planks for rolling trucks from platforms to cars must have
beveled edges.
C. Each package of hazardous materials bearing the package orientation marking (up arrows)
must be handled, loaded, blocked, and braced in the car to remain in the position indicated by the
markings during transportation.
D. Hazardous materials may not be loaded or transported except as specified in Title 49 CFR,
section 174.81. This segregation chart is reprinted in Figure 6-2.
E. The loading of trucks, trailers, or freight containers holding hazardous materials is regulated
by Title 49 CFR, section 174.61. These conveyances must be loaded so that the hazardous
materials will not rupture under normal transportation.
6.28 Highway Shipments
A. General requirements for the transport of hazardous materials by highway are outlined in
Title 49 CFR, section 177.834. Any tank, barrel, drum, cylinder, or other packaging not
permanently attached to the vehicle, containing any flammable liquid, compressed gas, corrosive
material, poisonous material, or radioactive material, must be secured against movement within
the vehicle in which it is being transported. In addition, such materials must be braced to prevent
movement relative to the vehicle while in motion.
1. Forward movement can be prevented by positioning the load firmly against the front
bulkhead of the vehicle. The front bulkhead serves to square the load and equalize forces across
the frontal area of the vehicle.
2. Movement of the cargo to the rear can be prevented by use of a rear bulkhead or gate. The
rear bulkhead or gate must be braced to the doorposts of the vehicle with diagonal supports, or
against the doorposts and the bulkhead or gate by secured risers. Backup blocks must be driven
into place and nailed to the risers and gate to eliminate slack.
3. Sideward movement can be eliminated by the use of lengthwise separators, steel strapping,
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